[The clinical significance of lateral pelvic sentinel lymph node biopsy using indocyanine green fluorescence navigation in laparoscopic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection].

Objectives: This study aims to explore the clinical significance of lateral pelvic sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence navigation in laparoscopic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LLND) and evaluate the accuracy and feasibility of this technique to predict the status of lateral pelvic lymph nodes (LPLNs). Methods: The clinical and pathological characteristics, surgical outcomes, lymph node findings and perioperative complications of 16 rectal cancer patients who underwent SLNB using ICG fluorescence navigation in laparoscopic LLND in the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College during April 2017 and October 2022 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. The patients did not receive preoperative neoadjuvant radiotherapy and presented with LPLNs but without LPLN enlargement (MRI showed the maximum short axes of the LPLNs were ≥5 mm and <10 mm at first visit). Results: All 16 patients were successfully performed SLNB using ICG fluorescence navigation in laparoscopic LLND. Three patients underwent bilateral LLND and 13 patients underwent unilateral LLND. The lateral pelvic sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) were clearly fluorescent before dissection in 14 patients and the detection rate of SLNs for these patients was 87.5%. Lateral pelvic SLN metastasis was diagnosed in 2 patients and negative results were found in 12 patients by frozen pathological examinations. Among the 14 patients in whom lateral pelvic SLNs were detected, the dissected lateral pelvic non-SLNs were all negative. All dissected LPLNs were negative in two patients without fluorescent lateral pelvic SLNs. The specificity, sensitivity, negative predictive value, and accuracy was 85.7%, 100%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. Conclusions: This study indicates that lateral pelvic SLNB using ICG fluorescence navigation shows promise as a safe and feasible procedure with good accuracy. This technique may replace preventive LLND for locally advanced lower rectal cancer.

[Analysis of the factors influencing the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms based on an online questionnaire].

Objective: To explore the variables associated with the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant during the epidemic in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Methods: A cross-sectional study. During the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant pandemic from December 15, 2022, to March 15, 2023, COVID-19 related data for patients with MPN who were treated at Peking University People's Hospital were collected through an online questionnaire-based survey. All questionnaires and clinical data were checked by medical assistants. Logistic multivariate analysis was used to explore the prevalence and variables associated with the severity of COVID-19 in patients with MPN. Results: A total of 239 patients with MPN, including 90 (37.7%) presenting with essential thrombocythemia (ET), 50 (20.9%) with polycythemia vera (PV), and 99 (41.4%) with myelofibrosis (MF), were enrolled in the study. The 99 patients with MF included 87 (87.9%) with primary MF, 5 (5.1%) with post-PV MF, and 7 (7.1%) with post-ET MF. Overall, 239 (100%) patients reported that they experienced COVID-19 during the pandemic. Of these, 226 (94.6%) had mild disease, 4 (1.7%) had moderate disease, 7 (2.9%) had severe disease, and 2 (0.8%) had critical disease. Two (0.8%) patients with severe COVID-19 died, one of which suffered from MT and the other from PV. Multivariate analysis showed that older age (OR=2.36, 95%CI 1.24-4.49), MF (OR=10.22, 95%CI 1.13-92.80), or comorbidity (OR=5.25, 95%CI 1.25-22.03) were associated with a significantly higher risk of developing moderate, severe, or critical COVID-19. Among patients with MF, higher risk stratification reflected an increased risk of developing moderate, severe, or critical COVID-19 (P=0.034). Conclusion: During the omicron pandemic, older age, MF (especially higher-risk categories), and comorbidity were associated with a higher risk of developing moderate, severe, or critical COVID-19.

[Ewing's sarcoma of central nervous system: a clinicopathological analysis of six cases].

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics, pathological diagnosis of Ewing's sarcoma of the central nervous system. Methods: Six cases of Ewing's sarcoma of the central nervous system diagnosed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China from 2015 to 2022 were collected. The clinical manifestations, histological morphology, immunophenotype and molecular genetics of these cases were analyzed. The related literature was reviewed. Results: There were four males and two females, with a male to female ratio of 2∶1. The onset age was 17-40 years, with a median age of 23 years. All 6 tumors were located in the spinal cord (2 cases of cervical vertebra, 1 case of thoracic vertebra, 2 cases of lumbar vertebra, and 1 case of sacral vertebra). The patients' clinical manifestations were mostly lumbago, weakness and numbness of lower limbs/limbs. In 1 case, the tumor recurred and metastasized to the suprasellar region and the third ventricle. Microscopically, the tumor showed diffuse infiltrative growth. In some cases, the tumor was closely related to the spinal meninges. The tumor cells were arranged in sheet, lobular, thin-rope, and nest-like patterns. Homer-Wright rosette was visible. The tumor cells were small to medium in size, and most of them had scant cytoplasm. A few cells had clear cytoplasm. Some areas were rhabdoid. The tumor cell nuclei showed focal mild pleomorphism. The chromatin was uniform and delicate while the nucleoli were not obvious. Mitosis was commonly seen. The tumor was separated by fibrous connective tissue and may be accompanied by mucinous degeneration. Immunohistochemistry showed that all tumors were positive for CD99, NKX2.2, Fli1, ERG. ATRX, H3K27me3, INI1 and BRG1 were all retained. Immunohistochemical stains for EMA, GFAP and Olig2 were negative. The Ki-67 proliferation index was 30%-70%. EWSR1 break-apart FISH test was positive. Conclusions: Ewing's sarcoma is rare in the central nervous system and needs to be distinguished from a variety of neoplasms with primitive undifferentiated small cell morphology. Immunohistochemistry and molecular genetics may be required for a proper diagnosis.

[Safety and feasibility of overlapped delta-shaped anastomosis technique for digestive tract reconstruction during complete laparoscopic right hemicolectomy].

Objective: To explore the clinical safety and feasibility of overlapped delta-shaped anastomosis (ODA) in totally laparoscopic right hemicolectomy (TLRHC). Methods: From May 2017 to October 2019, of the 219 patients who underwent TLRHC at the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, 104 cases underwent ODA (ODA group) and 115 cases underwent conventional extracorporeal anastomosis (control group) were compared the surgical outcomes, postoperative recovery, pathological outcomes and perioperative complications. Results: The length of the skin incision in the ODA group was significantly shorter than that in the control group [(5.6±0.9) cm vs. (7.1±1.7) cm, P<0.05], and the time to first flatus and first defecation after surgery in the ODA group was significantly earlier than that in the control group [(1.7±0.7) days vs. (2.0±0.7) days; (3.2±0.6) days vs. (3.3±0.7) days, P<0.05]. While the anastomosis time, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, the time of first ground activities, the number of bowel movements within 12 days after surgery, postoperative hospital stay, tumor size, the distal and proximal margins, the number of lymph node harvested and postoperative TNM stage in the ODA group did not differ from that of the control group (P>0.05). The postoperative complication rates of patients in the ODA group and the control group were 3.8% (4/104) and 4.3% (5/115), respectively, and the difference was not significant (P>0.05). Conclusion: The application of ODA technology in TLRHC can significantly shorten thelength of skin incisionand the recovery time of bowel function, and can obtain satisfactory short-term efficacy.

Immunohistopathological response against anisakid nematode larvae and a coccidian in Micromesistius poutassou from NE Atlantic waters.

A survey on Anisakis simplex (sensu stricto (s.s.)) from blue whiting, Micromesistius poutassou, in the north-eastern Atlantic Ocean revealed the occurrence of high infection levels of third larval stages in visceral organs and flesh. Larvae were genetically identified with a multilocus approach as A. simplex (s.s.). Histochemical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural observations were conducted on 30 M. poutassou specimens. Gonads, pyloric caeca and flesh harboured encapsulated larvae of A. simplex (s.s.) but no intense host reaction was encountered around the parasite in the above organs. In the liver, the most infected organ, the larvae co-occurred with the coccidian Goussia sp. Within the granuloma around the A. simplex (s.s.) larvae, two concentric layers were recognized, an inner mostly comprising electron-dense epithelioid cells and an outer layer made of less electron-dense epithelioid cells. Macrophages and macrophage aggregates (MAs) were abundant out of the granulomas, scattered in parenchyma, and inside the MAs, the presence of engulfed Goussia sp. was frequent. In liver tissue co-infected with Goussia sp. and A. simplex (s.s.), hepatocytes showed cytoplasmic rarefaction and acute cell swelling. Results suggest that the host-induced encapsulation of A. simplex (s.s.) larvae is a strategic compromise to minimize collateral tissue damage around the larval infection sites, to facilitate the survival of both parasite and host.

[Pulmonary artery intimal sarcoma: a clinicopathological analysis of three cases].

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics, genetic features, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of pulmonary artery intimal sarcoma (PAIS). Methods: Three cases of PAIS were collected from Jiangsu Province People's Hospital (from February 2016 to November 2019). The clinical data, imaging examination, morphology, immunostaining, and molecular changes were retrospectively analyzed. Results: There were 1 male and 2 females (age: 32, 50, 60 years), who had symptoms of cough, asthma or chest tightness. Imaging findings indicated low density filling defects which were suspected as thrombus, embolism or myxoma. Grossly, the main tumor was located in the elastic arteries and their lobar branches, also extended into the atrium and ventricle, with lung parenchymal infiltration focally. Microscopically, tumor cells were predominantly composed of abundant spindle cells with obvious atypia and myxoid background, resembling fibroblastic or myofibroblastic differentiation. Active mitotic figures and necrosis could be seen in some areas. Immunohistochemical staining of vimentin was strongly positive, while pan-cytokeratin, S-100, desmin, Fli-1, CD31, SMA and ERG etc were variably positive only in focal areas. FISH detection showed amplification of MDM2 gene in three cases and EGFR gene in two cases. Metastatic lesions were found in one case by 18, 32 and 42 months after surgery respectively. There was no recurrence or metastasis in the other two cases. Conclusions: PAIS is one of exceptionally poor differentiated mesenchymal tumor that arises from the arterial intima of elastic pulmonary arteries. There was no definite differention in morphology. Gene detection shows amplification of MDM2 and EGFR gene. This tumor often has poor prognosis with aggressive behavior. Complete resection is the only effective therapeutic option. There is disagreement as to whether chemotherapy and radiotherapy can improve survival.

[Clinical application of fusion indocyanine green fluorescence imaging in total laparoscopic radical resection for right colon cancer].

Objective: This study aims to explore the clinical value of fusion indocyanine green fluorescence imaging (FIGFI) in total laparoscopic radical resection for right colon cancer. Methods: From October, 2018 to December, 2018, 15 patients who underwent total laparoscopic radical resection for right colon cancer using FIGFI in Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Data regarding surgical outcomes, postoperative recovery, pathological outcomes and complications were collected and analyzed. Results: All patients successfully underwent total laparoscopic radical resection for right colon cancer using FIGFI. 1 patients (6.7%) received extended resection of bowel due to poor blood supply after mesentery excision. The average operation time was 133.7 minutes and intraoperative blood loss was 26.7 ml. The average time to ground activities, fluid diet intake, first flatus and postoperative hospitalization were 19.1 h, 11.7 h, 32.5 h and 5.0 d, respectively. The average length of tumor was 4.5 cm. The average proximal and distal resection margins were 14.9 cm and 12.1 cm, respectively. The average number of lymph nodes retrieved was 29.3 per patient. Only one patient suffered from incisional fat liquefaction after surgery and was managed effectively by regular dressing change. No severe complications such as indocyanine green allergy, anastomotic stenosis, anastomotic leakage, abdominal bleeding, bowel obstruction, pulmonary infection, and abdominal infection occurred in any patients. Conclusions: FIGFI is helpful to judge the blood supply of intestinal segments and anastomotic stoma in total laparoscopic radical resection for right colon cancer quickly. It is a safe and feasible technique with satisfactory short-term effect.

[Clinical application of enterostomy using running suture of dermis and seromuscular layer in laparoscopic-assisted radical resection for rectal carcinoma].

Objective: To explore the clinical safety and feasibility of enterostomy using running suture of dermis and seromuscular layer in laparoscopic-assisted radical resection for rectal carcinoma. Methods: From May 1, 2017 to May 1, 2018, 46 patients who underwent laparoscopic-assisted radical resection for rectal carcinoma with enterostomy using running suture of dermis and seromuscular layer in Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Data regarding clinicopathologic characteristics, operation and postoperative outcomes, stoma-related complications and functions of stoma were collected and analyzed. Results: All of the 46 patients successfully underwent this operation. Among them, 30 patients underwent laparoscopic-assisted abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer with sigmoidostomy and 16 patients underwent laparoscopic-assisted low anterior resection for rectal cancer with loop ileostomy. The mean operation time was 115.3 minutes and intraoperative blood loss was 86.1 ml. The mean time for enterostomy was 14.1 minutes. The average time to flatus, time to fluid diet intake and length of hospital stay were 1.8 days, 2.9 days and 6.5 days, respectively. During the follow-up period, three patients suffered from stomal edema, two patients suffered from parastomal hernia, and two patients suffered from skin inflammation surrounding stoma. None of re-operation related stoma and severe mobility such as stomal stenosis, stomal necrosis, stomal prolapse, stomal retraction and stomal mucocutaneous separation occurred. Thirty-five patients recovered with satisfactory stomal function, two with middle function and one with poor function. Conclusion: Enterostomy using running suture of dermis and seromuscular layer in laparoscopic-assisted radical resection for rectal carcinoma is a safe and feasible procedure with a satisfactory short-term effect.

[The Short-term Analysis of Overlapped Delta-shaped Anastomosis in Total Laparoscopic Transverse Colectomy].

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the clinical safety, feasibility and short-term effect of overlapped delta-shaped anastomosis in total laparoscopic transverse colectomy. Methods: The records, which were based on China National Cancer Center, of 20 and 31 patients who underwent total laparoscopic transverse colectomy with overlapped delta-shaped anastomosis and laparoscopic-assisted transverse colectomy with conventional extracorporeal anastomosis, from March 2017 to May 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. Data regarding surgical outcomes, postoperative recovery, pathological outcomes and perioperative complications were collected and compared. Results: There was no difference between the two groups in overall operation time, anastomosis time and intraoperative blood loss (P>0.05), however, the length of incision was significantly shorter in overlapped delta-shaped group [(4.7±0.6) cm vs. (5.5±1.0) cm, P=0.002]. The time to ground activities, first flatus and postoperative hospitalization did not differ between the two groups (P>0.05). The postoperative visual analogue scale was lower in the overlapped delta-shaped group than the control group on postoperative day 1 (3.7±0.7 vs. 4.2±0.9, P=0.015) and postoperative day 3 (2.7±0.5 vs. 3.2±0.9, P=0.040). The perioperative complication rates were 10.0% and 12.9% in the overlapped delta-shaped group and the control group, respectively, and the difference was not significant (P=0.753). Conclusion: Compared to conventional extracorporeal anastomosis, total laparoscopic transverse colectomy with overlapped delta-shaped anastomosis was a safe and feasible procedure with satisfactory short-term effect, shorter incision and less postoperative pain.

[The short-term effect analysis of intracorporeal delta-shaped anastomosis in total laparoscopic left hemicolectomy].

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the clinical safety and feasibility of intracorporeal delta-shaped anastomosis in total laparoscopic left hemicolectomy. Methods: From January 1, 2017 to October 1, 2017, 11 patients who were diagnosed with left colon cancer and underwent total laparoscopic left hemicolectomy with intracorporeal delta-shaped anastomosis were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Clinicopathologic characteristics, surgical and postoperative outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results: The median operation time was 121.8 minutes and the median time for anastomosis was 14.9 minutes. The median intraoperative blood loss was 45.5 ml. The lengths of the upper and lower segments of resection from colon cancer were 11.4 cm and 8.5 cm, respectively. The median number of lymph nodes retrieved was 29.5. The median time to ground activities, time to flatus, time to fluid diet intake and length of hospital stay were 1.4 days, 3.0 days, 3.8 days and 6.9 days, respectively. Only one patient suffered from incision infection during his hospitalization due to preoperative long-term smoking history. No mobility related to the anastomosis such as anastomotic bleeding, stenosis, obstruction and leakage occurred in any patients. Conclusion: Total laparoscopic left hemicolectomy with intracorporeal delta-shaped anastomosis is a safe and feasible procedure with a satisfactory short-term effect.

[Analysis on hearing status and related influencing factors in workers exposed to noise in an automobile manufacture enterprise].

Objective: To study the hearing status and analyze the related influencing factors in noise-exposed workers in an automobile manufacture enterprise, and put forward suggestions for prevention of noise-induced hearing loss. Methods: Noise exposure level testing, audiometry testing and questionnaires were performed for noise exposed workers in the automobile manufacture enterprise. To analyze the relationship between different factors and noise-induced hearing loss by cumulative noise exposure(CNE) calculated 8-hour continuous A-weighted equivalent noise level and seniority. Results: The detection rate of hearing loss in noise-exposed workers was 22.8%. The noise exposure intensity of stamping workshop is higher than other workshop, and the hearing loss detection rate of stamping workshop workers is higher than other workshop workers. The detection rate of hearing loss has significant difference in L(Aeq·8 h), seniority, CNE, age, high temperature and wearing earplugs (P<0.05). The results of logistic regression analysis showed that CNE, age and high-temperature were risk factors for noise-induced hearing loss (P<0.05 and OR>1) and there was an increasing tendency of hearing loss with increase in length of service and CNE, while using of earplugs was a protective factor (P<0.05 and OR<1). With the increase of CNE, the incidence of hearing loss is the rising trend. Conclusion: It is suggested to strengthen the noise control and individual protection and improve the high-temperature working environment, which plays an important role in reducing the occurrence of noise-induced hearing loss.

Genome-wide identification and analysis of the SGR gene family in Cucumis melo L.

Chlorophyll (CHL) is present in many plant organs, and its metabolism is strongly regulated throughout plant development. Understanding the fate of CHL in senescent leaves or during fruit ripening is a complex process. The stay-green (SGR) protein has been shown to affect CHL degradation. In this study, we used the conserved sequences of STAY-GREEN domain protein (NP_567673) in Arabidopsis thaliana as a probe to search SGR family genes in the genome-wide melon protein database. Four candidate SGR family genes were identified in melon (Cucumis melo L. Hetao). The phylogenetic evolution, gene structure, and conserved motifs were subsequently analyzed. In order to verify the function of CmSGR genes in CHL degradation, CmSGR1 and CmSGR2 were transiently overexpressed and silenced using different plasmids in melon. Overexpression of CmSGR1 or CmSGR2 induced leaf yellowing or fruit ripening, while silencing of CmSGR1 or CmSGR2 via RNA interference delayed CHL breakdown during fruit ripening or leaf senescence compared with the wild type. Next, the expression profile was analyzed, and we found that CmSGR genes were expressed ubiquitously. Moreover, CmSGR1 and CmSGR2 were upregulated, and promoted fruit ripening. CmSGR3 and CmSGR4 were more highly expressed in leaves, cotyledon, and stem compared with CmSGR1 or CmSGR2. Thus, we conclude that CmSGR genes are crucial for fruit ripening and leaf senescence. CmSGR protein structure and function were further clarified to provide a theoretical foundation and valuable information for improved performance of melon.

Genetic parameters of IgM and IgG antibodies binding autoantigens in healthy chickens.

Levels of natural antibodies (NAb) binding keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) in layers were shown to be heritable and to be potential indicative parameters for survival. A proportion of NAb are directed to self-molecules, or slightly changed self-molecules (neo-epitopes), labeled as natural autoantibodies (NAAb). It is unknown whether the levels of NAAb are heritable and genetically correlated. In this paper, we estimated genetic parameters in plasma of healthy layers for IgM and IgG antibodies binding ovalbumin (OVA), myosin (MYO), cardiolipin (CAR), lysozyme (LYS), and the model antigen keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). A linear animal model was used to estimate (co)variance components, heritabilities, and correlations. The estimates of heritabilities ranged from 0.10 to 0.17 for IgM, and 0.02 to 0.11 for IgG, respectively. For both IgM and IgG, high genetic correlations were observed between levels of NAAb binding autoantigens and NAb binding KLH, except for IgG binding KLH and LYS, for which a low genetic correlation was found. Low to moderate phenotypic correlations were found between NAAb and NAb. In addition, significant maternal environmental effects of 0.03, 0.07, and 0.04 were observed for IgM binding OVA, LYS, and KLH, respectively. Results from this study indicated that NAAb or NAb levels in plasma were heritable and could provide tools to identify the health status of birds.

Macroparasites of allis shad (Alosa alosa) and twaite shad (Alosa fallax) of the Western Iberian Peninsula Rivers: ecological, phylogenetic and zoonotic insights.

Samples of anadromous Alosa alosa (Clupeidae) (n = 163) and Alosa fallax (Clupeidae) (n = 223), caught in Western Iberian Peninsula Rivers from 2008 to 2013, were examined for buccal, branchial and internal macroparasites, which were identified using morphological and molecular methods. Alosa alosa were infected with Anisakis simplex s.s., Anisakis pegreffii, Hysterothylacium aduncum, Rhadinorhynchus pristis, Mazocraes alosae, Hemiurus appendiculatus, Ceratothoa italica and an unidentified ergasilid copepod. Ceratothoa italica represents a new host record for A. alosa. Alosa fallax were infected with A. simplex s.s., A. pegreffii, H. aduncum, H. appendiculatus, Clavellisa emarginata and an unidentified cymothoid isopod. This is the first report of C. italica, C. emarginata and M. alosae in the Iberian Peninsula. The phylogenetic positions of M. alosae, H. appendiculatus and C. emarginata were assessed using 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA (rRNA); our contributions provide a better understanding of the phylogenetic relationships within their groups. Qualitative and quantitative differences in the parasite faunas of these two shad species are consistent with different feeding strategies. The results provide information about host migration behaviour and transmission pathways through diet during the marine trophic phase of the shad's life cycle and their roles as paratenic or final hosts and transporters of parasites between seawater and freshwater environments. The zoonotic parasites A. simplex s.s. and A. pegreffii pose a risk for consumers or riverine mammals (e.g. European otter). The use of parasites as biological tags for shad stocks in Western Iberian Rivers could be a useful approach in multidisciplinary studies concerning fish stock delimitation and characterization.

Anisakis infection in allis shad, Alosa alosa (Linnaeus, 1758), and twaite shad, Alosa fallax (Lacépède, 1803), from Western Iberian Peninsula Rivers: zoonotic and ecological implications.

Spawning individuals of allis shad, Alosa alosa (Linnaeus, 1758), and twaite shad, Alosa fallax (Lacépède, 1803), were sampled from three rivers on the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula (Ulla, Minho, Mondego) during 2008 to 2013 to assess the presence of the zoonotic marine parasite Anisakis spp. larvae. The results revealed that both shad species were infected by third-larval stage Anisakis simplex s.s. and Anisakis pegreffii. The latter is reported in mixed infections in both shad species of Western Iberian Peninsula for the first time. In A. alosa, the prevalence of Anisakis infection can reach 100%, while in A. fallax, prevalence was up to 83%. Infected individuals of the former species also often contain much higher number of parasites in theirs internal organs and flesh: from 1 to 1138 Anisakis spp. larvae as compared to 1 to 121 larvae, respectively. In general, numbers of A. pegreffii were higher than those of A. simplex s.s. Our results suggest that in the marine environment of the Western Iberian Peninsula, both anadromous shad species act as paratenic hosts for A. simplex s.s. and A. pegreffii, thus widening the distribution of the infective nematode larvae from the marine to the freshwater ecosystem. This finding is of great epidemiological relevance for wildlife managers and consumers, considering the zoonotic and gastroallergic threats posed of these parasites.

Combined folate gene MTHFD and TC polymorphisms as maternal risk factors for Down syndrome in China.

We examined whether polymorphisms in the methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (MTHFD) and transcobalamin (TC) genes, which are involved in folate metabolism, affect maternal risk for Down syndrome. We investigated 76 Down syndrome mothers and 115 control mothers from Bengbu, China. Genomic DNA was isolated from the peripheral lymphocytes. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism were used to examine the polymorphisms of MTHFD G1958A and TC C776G. The frequencies of the polymorphic alleles were 24.3 and 19.1% for MTHFD 1958A, 53.9 and 54.2% for TC 776G, in the case and control groups, respectively. No significant differences were found between two groups in relation to either the allele or the genotype frequency for both polymorphisms. However, when gene-gene interactions between these two polymorphisms together with previous studied C677T and A1298C polymorphisms in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene were analyzed, the combined MTHFR 677CT/TT and MTHFD 1958AA/GA genotype was found to be significantly associated with the risk of having a Down syndrome child [odds ratio (OR) = 3.11; 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 1.07-9.02]. In addition, the combined TC 776CG and MTHFR 677TT genotype increased the risk of having a child with Down syndrome 3.64-fold (OR = 3.64; 95%CI = 1.28-10.31). In conclusion, neither MTHFD G1958A nor TC C776G polymorphisms are an independent risk factor for Down syndrome. However, the combined MTHFD/MTHFR, TC/MTHFR genotypes play a role in the risk of bearing a Down syndrome child in the Chinese population.

Non-criteria and criteria antiphospholipid antibodies and their association with pregnancy outcomes in women with a history of miscarriage: A retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to investigate both antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) and non-criteria aPLs (NC-aPLs) in relation with pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 1574 pregnant women with experienced at least one miscarriage who were tested for aPLs and NC-aPLs, and compared their clinical characteristics, immune biomarkers, and pregnancy outcomes. The χ2 test or Fisher's exact test compared pregnancy outcomes among patients negative for all aPLs, positive for NC­aPLs subtypes, and positive for criteria aPLs subtypes. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that positive aPLs (OR = 2.216, 95 % CI 1.381-3.558), and positive NC-aPLs (OR = 1.619, 95 % CI 1.245-2.106) are linked to adverse outcomes. For fetal loss, positive aPLs (OR = 2.354, 95 % CI 1.448-3.829), NC-aPLs (OR = 1.443, 95 % CI 1.076-1.936) were significant. Premature delivery was associated with positive NC-aPLs (OR = 2.102, 95 % CI 1.452-3.043). In the NC-aPLs positive group, the rate of adverse outcomes was higher in the multiple-positive subgroup (77.8 %) compared to the double-positive (52.3 %) and single-positive (37.0 %) subgroups. The rates of fetal loss and premature delivery were also higher in the multiple-positive NC-aPLs subgroup compared to the single-positive subgroup (48.1 % vs. 22.6 % for fetal loss and 57.1 % vs. 16.5 % for premature delivery). DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that both aPLs and NC-aPLs are associated with an increased incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes, and patients presenting with multiple NC-aPLs positivity were found to have a higher incidence of adverse outcomes compared to their single-positive counterparts.

Characterisation and profiling of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus licheniformis by MALDI-TOF mass fingerprinting.

The Bacillus genus includes species such as Bacillus cereus, Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis, some of which may be pathogenic or causative agents in the spoilage of food products. The main goal of this work was to apply matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass fingerprinting to the classification of these Bacillus species. Genetic analyses were also compared to phyloproteomic analyses. A collection of 57 Bacillus strains isolated from fresh and processed food and from culture collections were studied and their mass spectra compiled. The resulting mass fingerprints were compared and characteristic peaks at the strain and species levels were assigned. The results showed that MALDI-TOF was a good complementary approach to 16S rRNA sequencing and even a more powerful tool in the accurate classification of Bacillus species, especially for differentiating B. subtilis and B. cereus from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Bacillus thuringiensis, respectively. MALDI-TOF was also found to provide valuable information at both intra- and interspecies levels in the Bacillus species studied.